《New Game》


 Prologue

    ¡ªBoredom.


    It is an inexplicable feeling everyone is subjected when a desire is not fulfilled. A nature that makes a person feel distanced, be it the world entirely or reality itself.


    In some cases men and women alike, particularly children who have yet to assume appropriate age, indulges themselves through fascinating experiences found only in online games ¡ª wishing fervently in their hearts to fall in an exciting predicament similar to their beloved protagonists.


    It can bore fruit to many more, amounting to unimaginable digits of numbers, possibly rivaling even the vast expanse of stars dotting the night sky. But for all we know, there are multiple origins of its existence.


    One primary example is the aforementioned abandonment of the real world, and the choice to drown oneself in ridiculous fantasies which often takes place in the realm of fiction. Ultimately losing a way to find entertainment through reality.


    This, in itself, is a form of rejection. An act of throwing away one''s rightful belonging for something that doesn''t exist. Which, in turn, draws one nearer to becoming an outsider of society, leading to a widespread cause of deteriorating attachment of many people outside online networks, that includes rapid increase of unemployment. So to sum, this could be referred to as disclaiming a person''s inherent responsibility, and becoming an unproductive member of humankind ¡ª a social outcast.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    However, such consequence doesn''t always lean to negative. Like any other, there is an unfailing quantity of possibility, although slim, that there is good hiding behind something regarded as useless.


    Therefore, why is everything related tend to be grouped together in a single definition, regardless of this fact?


    That, is an answer best left for another account.


    After all, this isn''t the focal focus of this story.


    This is about tackling the opportunity to be invited in a world of games ¡ª an exclusive gift that would without doubt a source of envy by thousands. And a stage of salvation for talented recluse to compete against each other using intellectual knowledge, as a way to test their wits to the very limits beyond normal circumstance allows.


    ¡ªNow, if by any chance, such invitation sprung, would you willingly respond to that offer?


    ¡ªOr, would rather stay as is, and continue this endless cycle of dissatisfying days?


    If your answer happens to correspond with an agreement, then the privilege of witnessing this world first-hand shall be granted as yours.


    Now then, without further interruption, let us finally introduce this place.


    A world exist ruled by games.

 Chapter 1

    "I know I''ve already asked this of you for a lot of times by now. But Lillie, please reconsi¡ª"


    "There is no need for that, father. I do not have any more reason to undergo studies. Mind you, I have no intention of being lumped together with a bunch of idiots."


    "I''m sure you can learn more things in there!"


    "And what could that possibly be? Besides, you''re only objective for putting me into this hassle was to save your reputation, as someone highly esteemed such as you heeding advice from a minor, and a truant at that. Despicable is it not?"


    "B-but!"


    "If you have nothing more noteworthy to say, I shall now take my leave. Good night."


    Ignoring the words of her father, Lillie excused herself outside.


    This was always the content of discussion within this room, it was unchanging and repetitive. One that remained changing was how and what Lillie''s father will use as a means to convince her. Likewise, it was the same on the receiving end. Lillie would often revise her words depending on the circumstance.


    It once reached to the point that her father actually grovelled on the ground to encourage Lillie despite of his noble upbringing but to no avail.


    Looking at this subject in an outsider''s perspective, one would view Lillie as an antagonistic child, an undeniable fact no matter which angle you look at; while on the other hand, her father as what an ideal parent should be, a responsible and caring person.


    However, don''t be mistaken. This does not mean that the latter''s action and words were genuine, nor there wasn''t any deeper reason for the former''s aggressive behavior.


    Although the fact still holds true they weren''t in financial crisis, which can be accredited to Lillie''s business prowess. In fact, it''s quite the contrary ¡ª they could spend a year''s worth of income without stumbling upon any problems. But this is not the point which was needed to be addressed.


    Once, this family prospered, both financial and familial matter. It could be traced back before the mysterious disappearance of her older brother¡ª


    "Miss, are you alright? You''ve been strangely still for a while now."Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    The one who raised that question was a woman dressed in a maid uniform, standing idly while having a slight worried expression.


    Being drawn back from her daze, Lillie finally noticed the maid waiting besides her. Shrugging her shoulders as to deny her worry, Lillie curtly replied, "No, I''m fine."


    "Is that so? Then I shall no longer pursue the matter. If I may lead the way, the bath has already been prepared."


    "Thank you."


    Just like that, no one uttered a single word as the two continued their way down the grand hallway.


    After passing several more corners in these long corridors, they finally arrived at her room.


    It was considerably wide, measuring twice as much as the her father''s office. Two luxurious chandeliers hanging on the ceiling illuminated the room, and an elegant wooden bed with a canopy was placed at the farthest corner of the room''s periphery. There was also a large wardrobe which sat at the right hand side of the bed, containing mostly fancy dresses.


    On the ground were cards scattered messily throughout the floor, along with a bunch of dolls piled atop together. But the most unusual was the stuffed animal lying separately from the heaps of toys.


    Looking at it very intimately, Lillie held it softly.


    The gap between the curtains showed a fraction of the outside world ¡ª it was very dark, revealing an isolated compound. Only this doll gave her a reason to stay.


    "Miss, you sure love that one."


    Lillie nodded as she tightly embraced it in her slender arms. That fact was given, considering it was a gift from her dearest person.


    "Then I presume it''s the same as usual?"


    "Yes."


    Lillie''s tone didn''t change, but there was an apparent difference from her previous disposition.


    Leaving only a piece of towel and a change of spare clothes, the maid left without asking any more question.


    Opening the door which leads towards the bathroom, steam momentarily escaped from within.


    The inside was smaller compared to the actual room, but the diameter was spacious enough to fit eight people respectively with still a lot of space to move in. Its style was relatively simple, everything was plainly covered in white tiles.


    The bath itself was also wide, capable of accommodating half of the overall capacity. It would have been more accurate to say that it was a pool instead.


    Lillie removed her clothes one by one and tossed them aside, submerging herself foot first while taking good care as for the doll to not get caught by the water.


    As she started to relax herself, fatigue started to take over. Her eyes drooped little by little, as her consciousness began to fade away.


    Suddenly¡ª


    Do you have something you truly desire?


    A monotonic voice rang, that stayed between the margin of masculinity and femininity. It was androgynous, but one could tell it came off from a man based from the way it spoke.


    Without even letting her to think for an answer, it asked yet another one.


    Let me rephrase the question, are you satisfied with this world?


    There was no need to think, the answer has long been confirmed since the case of her brother vanishing. He was the only who truly cared for her, this was only further solidified after his disappearance.


    Thus, the answer is simple¡ª


    "¡ªNo."


    Speaking seemingly satisfied, the voice continued.


    What if there was a place where you can do as your heart feels, what can you say about that?


    "If such place exist, then I''d like to pay a visit."

 Chapter 2

    The first thing Lillie felt was the gentle caress of the wind, along with a sweet fragrance which wafted through her nose.


    The hard texture of soil, and the tickling sensation of grass made her come to a conclusion that something was definitely not right.


    "...Where am I?"


    Lillie muttered upon seeing the peculiar setting laid before her eyes.


    It was a vast expanse of land that filled the scenery in colorful blossoms. There was nothing but groves of trees and unending lanes of beautiful flowers. However, beyond the horizon was a place which differed greatly from this meadow.


    There was a terrain of rocky mountains with tall cliffs and deep ravines that could be spotted, while on her left was a large area of deep blue sea.


    The way these fields were equally divided felt as though three different worlds were poorly connected to each other.


    But, it was not entirely just that.


    Overlooking every direction, one would notice the unnatural disparity between the topography. On the right was a place continuously being ravaged by a powerful storm, and then a massive volcano which stood at the back.


    Even with her unparalleled intellect, Lillie took seconds to register what was happening.


    This was not her home, nor was it a familiar place she had once visited during those days she long despised.


    ¨DThis was on another world.


    "No, it can''t be possible..." Lillie said in disbelief.


    No matter how sound this reason was, there is no logical backing to prove that it was indeed correct. But at the same time, it is also cannot be denied that it was particularly convincing, especially in her current situation where as though natural laws does not apply.


    However, the biggest question lies on how all of this became possible. Although the viability of this notion could be proven later on, whether true or not, if the premise of being in another world turns out to be accurately false, how would this strange environment be explained? And if it comes out as an actual truth, what was the method of her transportation?


    All this uncertainties spun around on Lillie''s mind, trying to rack for an acceptable answer; it was her first time being challenged in other form, so she was filled with much anxiety. But it was not the one found in hopelessness from falling into an unbelievable predicament ¨D it was eagerness to find a solution.


    Great minds from all places and generations tends to venture outside fixed boundaries, a fact proven from time and time again. This very passion is what drives humanity to advance as a whole, and which originated ridiculous theories and baffling technologies that sets men to get a glimpse of the unknown.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    However, if you live in a world where all credits have been acquired by past geniuses, would that not be troubling for future successors?


    That was exactly the case for Lillie, which stemmed her boredom that distanced her afar from the others.


    One might say if she were really gifted, those should not pose as a problem. But that is her biggest and sole weakness, a trait she lacks that her brother possess, which is creativity.


    As such, instead of the one making challenges, her nature makes it so she''s only suitable for being challenged. Thus, her way of thinking is limited to what is available, and will change accordingly if supplemented.


    Lillie stood still as her excitement grew higher. Then, as if to put water on her tension, she heard a familiar voice from the sky.


    Now that all the participating members has joined, I officially welcome all of you to the land of Avalon, an embodiment of your dreams ¨D a world full of games!


    "...What?"


    She recalled what happened yesterday night, there was no doubt that it was the same one whom she conversed with to the voice talking right now.


    Some of you know me as Galahad, I am the keeper of the sacred grail that can grant any wish your heart may desire! As you may notice, I''ve taken the liberty to compile all the regulations and guidelines we all have to follow, and placed a copy on your pocket.


    Lillie checked hers as told, there she found a seemingly old parchment with a map on the front.


    A perfect chess board was drawn along with appropriate amount of pieces on each side, then taking a good look at the back, there was a long line of list that goes as follows:


    1. Participants will be divided in two opposing teams, black and white.


    2. Your role is pawn, and you are oriented in tile b2. You may not know more anything about anyone''s role aside from your own, likewise it is the same for the others.


    3. Pieces can move simultaneously without waiting for other''s turn, but there will be a set time before you can advance once again.


    4. Your option is limited based on one''s role, in this case, you can only move vertically at a time, and engage with enemies horizontally.


    5. The defeat of a piece will be determined by a game between the attacking side and the defending side.


    6. The contents of the game will be decided by the opposing parties involved. Under any circumstance, one cannot do anything outside agreed terms, namely cheating. By doing so, it will result in immediate disqualification.


    7. There will be special tiles scattered around the board, if a battle happens there, rule six is disregarded. The grail will decide the contents of the game.


    8. Except from the changes, general rules of chess applies.


    9. The winning condition for a team is not the defeat of the enemy king, but the loss of all active players. This means that only one can win, and if by any chance more than one member remains on the same group, they have to battle it out - the rules mentioned above aside from 5, 6 and 7 shall no longer have an effect.


    10. When the overall winner has been decided, only then a wish can be executed.


    Those were the rules listed on the parchment. Lillie pondered about it for a while and gave her thoughts.


    "But that doesn''t explain¨D"


    Before she could finish, the voice abruptly continued.


    Ahem! It is also worth mentioning that each tiles has its own set of field, meaning you won''t be in the same type of environment whenever you move. Anyways before I forget, without anymore further ado, I now commence the start of the game! Please by all means do enjoy yourselves to heart''s content! That is all for now.


    The voice seemed to have known what was going in on her mind, as it knowingly answered her question.


    Lillie felt being belittled but paid it no mind, and took a look back at the paper in her hands. She noticed that the pieces engraved in it began to move.


    Seeing as other players began to make their respective moves, Lillie became overjoyed.


    With a small grin, she said, "The first encounter won''t be long."